By Adeboye Ado

Professor Nurudeen Oladoja, an expert in Environmental Chemistry at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, has stressed the urgent need to revise Nigeria’s science curriculum to incorporate the teaching and application of Benign Chemistry.

He believes the approach is essential for promoting public health and environmental sustainability, particularly in the context of providing safe groundwater.

Prof Oladoja made the call during the institution’s 39th Inaugural Lecture.

His lecture, titled “The Chemistry Beat: Harnessing Benign Reactions for Water Purification”, highlighted the importance of clean chemistry in tackling environmental challenges.

Describing Benign Chemistry, commonly referred to as Green Chemistry, he explained that it involves the design of chemical processes and products that minimise or eliminate the use and creation of harmful substances, favouring renewable raw materials wherever possible.

He noted that this approach focuses on pollution prevention and enhancing environmental quality, rather than merely addressing its consequences.

The professor pointed out that clean chemistry could help curb various health issues caused by fluoride-contaminated groundwater, including tooth mottling and skeletal deformities such as fluorosis.

He emphasised that about 60 percent of fluoride intake in humans comes from drinking water — a concerning statistic given the heavy reliance on groundwater in developing countries.

He said, “As dependence on groundwater continues in the developing world, the development of affordable and efficient materials to remove fluoride from drinking water is critical.”

Prof Oladoja, whose academic and research experience spans Nigeria and the international scene, called for a paradigm shift among researchers and professionals towards adopting green chemistry principles.

He also advocated increased funding for studies in benign chemistry and encouraged the widespread adoption of existing water treatment technologies.

He emphasised, “To fully embrace Benign Chemistry, our educational curriculum at all levels must be revised to include its concepts and practical applications. Doing so will benefit not only developing nations but also the global sustainability agenda.”

Linking his argument to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Prof Oladoja noted that without embracing green chemistry, achieving SDG 6.1 — which targets universal access to safe and affordable drinking water by 2030 — would remain elusive.

He explained, “SDG 6.1 aims to ensure access to safe and affordable potable water for all, but this goal cannot be reached in isolation. Given the critical role of chemical sciences in water and sanitation solutions, especially in under-resourced regions, integrating benign chemistry is necessary for meaningful progress.”

Introducing the lecturer, the Vice-Chancellor of AAUA, Professor Olugbenga Ige, hailed Prof Oladoja as a distinguished academic whose work has significantly advanced the field of Environmental Chemistry and elevated the university’s global standing.

Prof Ige revealed that Oladoja has authored 117 scientific publications and held several key academic and administrative positions.

He also highlighted Prof Oladoja’s international recognition, including appointments as a CAS-PIFI Visiting Professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (2019–2020), and similar roles in Germany and Malaysia.

The Vice-Chancellor further commended his achievements, noting honours such as multiple Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowships, the Chinese Academy of Sciences Presidential Fellowship, and research funding from organisations like TETFund and the Cambridge-Africa ALBORADA Fund.

He also celebrated Prof Oladoja’s inclusion in the 2024 Stanford-Elsevier list of the world’s top two percent of scientists, describing it as a testament to the global impact of his work.